Caz Matthews Fund

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The Caz Matthews Fund

Presented by

Supporting independent episodic creators whose work advances diversity, equity, and inclusion on screen and behind the scenes.

Eligible submission categories

Independent Pilot Competition, Comedy

Independent Pilot Competition, Drama

Unscripted Series Competition

Digital Short Series Competition

Late Night Competition

Submit your project to SeriesFest

Submit your project to one of the eligible SeriesFest festival competitions listed here. As part of the application, you’ll be asked to select all funds you believe your project qualifies for. Select the Caz Matthews Fund to be considered for this opportunity.

View Festival Submissions

ABOUT THE FUND

INVESTING IN MORE INCLUSIVE STORIES

The Caz Matthews Fund was established to support independent episodic projects that promote tolerance, acceptance, and understanding across cultures and communities.

Through a one-time financial contribution, the fund helps selected filmmakers continue developing their projects and pursuing opportunities to bring their work to audiences.

Puncher’s Chance, written and directed by Garland Scott was a fund recipient in 2023. Garland shared his experience on Instagram.

How recipients are selected

Official Selections are shortlisted
After Official Selections for SeriesFest’s annual festival are announced, SeriesFest identifies projects that meet the fund’s criteria for further consideration.

Filmmakers meet with Caz Matthews
Caz Matthews selects filmmakers from the shortlist to meet with during the festival. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss their projects, creative plans, and how their work aligns with the fund’s goals.

Funding decisions are made
At the close of the festival, Caz Matthews selects which projects, if any, will receive financial support. Projects receiving funding must credit SeriesFest as a producer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Award type
One-time financial contribution

Selection Criteria
Eligible projects must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both their on-screen storytelling and behind-the-scenes production teams.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit a separate application for the Caz Matthews Fund?

No. When submitting to an eligible SeriesFest competition, you’ll be asked to select the funds and awards you believe your project qualifies for. You must select the Caz Matthews Fund to be considered.

Which projects are eligible for the Caz Matthews Fund?

Official Selections for SeriesFest’s annual television festival in the Independent Pilot Competition (Comedy and Drama), Unscripted Series Competition, Digital Short Series Competition, and Late Night Competition are eligible for consideration. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion both on screen and behind the scenes.

How are recipients selected?

After Official Selections are announced, SeriesFest identifies a shortlist of filmmakers whose projects meet the fund’s eligibility criteria. Caz Matthews then selects filmmakers for in-person meetings during the festival to learn more about their projects and creative plans. Funding decisions are made at the close of the festival.

Does being shortlisted guarantee funding?

No. Being shortlisted or meeting with Caz Matthews does not guarantee an award. Some, all, or none of the shortlisted filmmakers may receive a one-time financial contribution. Recipients are required to provide SeriesFest with a producer credit on the supported project.

Past recipients

The Caz Matthews Fund has provided more than $50,000 directly to independent creators, helping them move their projects forward.

Puncher’s Chance
Garland Scott & Johnny Rey Diaz

STREAMING

Tubi

Everyone is Doing Great
Stephen Colletti and James Lafferty

STREAMING

Netflix

Hard to Swallow
Tunde Wey, Theo Schear

STREAMING

First Hand Films

Brownsville Bred
Elaine Del Valle

STREAMING

Tubi

Generation Por Qué
Jacqueline Pereda

STREAMING

HBO

Neither Donkey Nor Horse
Robin Wang

We Should Eat
Shaina Feinberg

Two Breaths
Kateryna Kurganska

This Boy’s Vida (Made in America)
Joseph Castillo-Midyett

The Doug Heir Story
Adam Ray

Resisting
Donnie L. Betts

About caz matthews

Caz Matthews is a Colorado-based supporter of SeriesFest and independent episodic filmmakers. She is particularly interested in projects that promote tolerance, acceptance, and understanding, and in helping creators pursue opportunities to bring their work to audiences.

Recognizing the challenges independent filmmakers face in securing funding, Caz established the fund to provide additional financial support to projects aligned with these goals.

READY TO SUBMIT?

Apply to SeriesFest

Submit your project to an eligible SeriesFest festival competition to be considered for the Caz Matthews Fund.

APPLY NOW

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the Caz Matthews Fund or the SeriesFest submission process, please contact info@seriesfest.com.